What things actually cost
Vietnam is cheap, but “cheap” cuts both ways — knowing the fair number is how you avoid the foreigner markup. Here are honest 2026 price ranges for the things you’ll buy most. Search it, or browse by category.
Food & drink
Street-stall and everyday prices. Tourist-zone restaurants run higher.
A $6 bowl means you’re in a tourist restaurant.
The cheapest beer on earth — northern street corners.
Per person, with a drink.
Getting around
Use Grab to remove almost all transport haggling.
Grab/airport-app is cheaper than touts.
Agree the price first, or use Grab.
Book 1–2 weeks ahead for the low end.
Accommodation
Per night. Tet and Christmas–New Year run 30–50% higher.
Fan-cooled rooms in small towns sit at the low end.
Activities & tours
Where curation matters most — cheapest isn’t safest on the Ha Giang loop.
Per person. Don’t shop on price alone — it’s a safety call.
Per person; luxury cruises run far higher.
Essentials & misc
The small stuff that adds up — and what imported goods really cost.
Pricey and hard to find — bring your own.
After bargaining at a market; first price is inflated.
Paying a bit over these is normal and not worth a fight — the markups worth avoiding are the big ones. If a price is double what you see here, you’re likely in a tourist trap or being quoted the foreigner rate.
Common questions
- How much should things cost in Vietnam?
- Knowing the rough local price is the single best defence against being gently overcharged. A bowl of phở, a short taxi ride, a coffee, a beer — each has a normal range, and quotes far above it are your cue to negotiate or walk. The reference above lists honest typical prices so you know when something is off.